By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The number of volcanic earthquakes generated by Mt. Kanlaon has recently spiked, according to monitoring by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Based on the agency’s 24-hour monitoring between December 7 and 8, a total of 73 volcanic quakes were recorded.

Monitoring from December 8 to 9, meanwhile, saw 29 volcanic tremors recorded; and data recorded between December 9 and yesterday, December 10, revealed 16 quakes.

In addition, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the volcano dropped from 381 tons per day in November of this year to 101 tons per day on December 9.

According to the United States Geological Survey, SO2 emissions indicate magma is near the surface. Monitoring such emissions helps in determining the chances of an eruption.

An Alert Level 2 remains over volcano which means the public must not venture within the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone./DGB, WDJ